The People of Florence
The people of Florence are the most important
part of Florence's history. Their hard work made Florence what it is today. However, having fun was just
as important to many who lived in Florence. Here's a look at what was available for entertainment in Florence: Parties- "Some events took place every Saturday night.
Babysitters were unheard of and young and old attended many parties. Babies slept while the young people and older ones joined in the fun. Food was plentiful, usually potluck, and no one left early." "Every community had its music. Popular dances were the
waltz, three-step, polka, schottische* and square dance." Skating- "Skating parties were always fun. Some of the
favorite skating ponds were the Daniels pond across the road east from the Carlton school, the Beacer Dam down Carlton lane from Peter Hendrickson's place, the Wagner
pond and the Big Slough on the river bottom..." Coasting- "Coasting parties were held on the big hill
across from Eight Mile School and on the hill in back of Schrages*. Wagon boxes, homenade bob sleds with runners made form barrel staves, adn home made toboggans were used... The "lift" was a horse at the bottom of the hill that would take the sled back up to the top." Baseball- "A baseball diamond west of the old livery
stable on the south edge of Florence kept kids entertained as they sat on rocks to watch the games." Boating and Fishing
Organizations- "The Odd Fellows Hall had two floors.
Meetings were held upstairs and dances on the first floor. Meetings of I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 34 were first held in the W.J. Rock home south of Lolo. The first lodge hall was built in 1889 at Carlton across the road from the church. Basket socials and political rallies were 'big doings' at the hall." "The Women's Club meetings were first held in the old White
Hotel which was later made into a hall for the Florence Women's Club. The group belonged to the National Federation of Women's Clubs. Practically everyone in Florence belonged to the club..." Movies- "About 1920, silent movies were shown in the
school auditorium." * Schottisce-a round dance of German origin, resembling a slow polka All quotes from the book Some Bitteroot Memories. |
